Jim Fleming Honored On Retirement From School Committee After 19 Years

SALEM, MA — Jim Fleming received a hearty sendoff in his final meeting after nearly two decades as a member of the Salem School Committee on Monday night.

Fleming, who served on the City Council for three years and 19 years on the School Committee among his service to other city boards and commissions, said at the last meeting that he was resigning his seat because he was moving out of the district.

Fleming was presented with several gifts from Superintendent Steve Zrike and members of the school community.

"I've appreciated all the true comradeship that I have experienced over the last 20 years," Fleming said. "Thank you to the Salem teachers and the Salem Teachers Union, and the (American Federation of Teachers), and the president of the AFT, for their support and their help in my time here.

"I thank all of the teachers, and all of the principals, and all of the assistant principals, that I've served with over the 20 years. It's been a miracle, and I thank you very, very much. I mean it from the bottom of my heart."

Fellow School Committee member Mary Manning said she always appreciated how Fleming "would fight you tooth and nail" over an issue facing the Committee, but would then seek to meet up for coffee in the spirit of friendship after the meeting, before resuming the fight the next time the issue came up for debate.

"My experience as a Salem Public Schools student and alumni is certainly impacted by your service here today," School Committee Vice-Chair and State Rep. Manny Cruz said. "I think about the many conversations that we've had over the years about this particular district and the values that you've espoused with respect to believing that all of the children who attend the Salem Public Schools are your children.

"That's been at the center of your service and dedication to the students and their families. Folks see that and recognize that."

Cruz presented an official State House of Representatives citation to Fleming, while State Sen. Joan Lovely presented one from the State Senate.

"A lifetime of public service," Lovely said. "We couldn't be more grateful to you for giving all of those years — decades of public service — to this grateful community. ... It's just been a pleasure, Jim, to work with you in all these capacities."

Acting Mayor Robert McCarthy presented Fleming with a city proclamation as well.

"With his vast knowledge of the law and particularly his expertise in labor law he's been an extremely valuable resource on the School Committee," McCarthy, also the acting School Committee Chair, read from the citation. "His support of the Salem school staff was much appreciated. James was steadfast in support of the furtherance of the athletics programs, and in particular the golf team.

"His dry wit will be sorely missed (on the Committee). On behalf of the city, I congratulate James on his retirement and wish him a long and straight game on the fairways of life."

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)